THE FUSE

The appointment marks a significant statement of intent from the Palace hierarchy. Chairman Steve Parish expressed his delight at securing a coach who has spent the last year defying expectations in French football. "I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us off the back of a trophy-winning season at Lens as well as a fabulous second-place finish in Ligue 1," Parish said. "As we move into another European campaign off the back of our success in Leipzig, I know he will give everything to target more success for our fantastic football club."